ON-THE-SPOT FINES: Cops’ COVID-19 crackdown

QUEENSLAND Police have launched a coronavirus crackdown on people disregarding flouting isolation laws and threatened to issue hefty on the spot fines.

The public has been told to expect an increase in police ensuring compliance of public health directions and taking enforcement action against those ignoring the laws around COVID-19.

"Officers have the power to issue on the spot fines for anyone who does not comply with the directions," a police statement said.

"Public health directions have been put in place to keep everyone in our community safe, especially our most vulnerable."

While police have been taking "a considered and educational approach" to compliance in recent weeks officers will now be stepping up enforcement action for "those blatantly disregarding directions".

"People who are deliberately flouting self-isolation directions, holding unlawful mass gatherings or conducting non-essential business not in compliance with directions may face on the spot fines or stronger penalties," the statement said.

"We are urging everyone to follow the public health directions, employ social distancing practices and avoid unnecessary travel so we can limit the spread of Coronavirus."

Since Monday, police have conducted more than 2,023 non-essential business compliance checks across Queensland.

If a person does not comply with the quarantine directions, penalties of up to $13,345 for individuals and $66,672.50 for corporations may apply.

Officers can also issue on the spot fines of $1334.50 for individuals and $6,672.50 for corporations which fail to abide by the health directions.

If a member of the public has concerns for their health or the health of another, they should contact their doctor or 13HEALTH.

If a member of the public is aware of a potential breach of self-isolation, or business not complying with the new directions they can report through the Policelink App or contact Policelink 131 444 for more important matters.